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From Kennebunkport, Maine, to Marathon, Florida, these little communities have big appeal.
Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennanKey Points
- For beaches, historic lighthouses, and lobster rolls, head to coastal small towns like Kennebunkport, Maine, Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, or New Jersey’s Cape May.
- History buffs will love Gettysburg, where you can stand on the battlefield that changed the course of the American Civil War.
- Keep an eye out for nesting loggerhead turtles as you explore the 13 isles that make up the town of Marathon in the Florida Keys.
Whether you’re craving a break from the busy city or just looking for a vacation spot that’s affordable and quiet, small towns across the U.S. offer plenty of charm, elbow room, and prices that won’t break the bank. Along the Eastern Seaboard, that looks like old-timey New England fishing villages, North Carolina mountain towns near the Appalachian Trail, and island communities in the Florida Keys. Here are a dozen of the best small East Coast towns to consider for your next getaway.
Aurora, New York
It doesn’t get much smaller—or more beautiful—than Aurora. With a year-round population of roughly 600 people, this tiny village on Cayuga Lake is just over a five-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia.
If you’re looking to put up your feet and relax lakeside, head to the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, a luxury boutique property with in-room fireplaces, semi-private balconies, and stunning lake views. Here, you can kayak, book a private yoga class, or sip a glass of wine in an Adirondack chair overlooking the water. When you’re ready to check out the local area, make your way north to the town of Union Springs and book a wine tasting at Heart & Hands Wine Company. Then, explore downtown Aurora and grab a bite and a beer at Fargo Bar & Grill.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
Only accessible by boat and plane, Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to tourists. This island off the coast of Massachusetts is home to six small towns, each with its own unique identity and community feel. Edgartown is widely considered the prettiest of them, with its stately, American flag-adorned homes and the historic Cape Poge Lighthouse. Spend the day lounging by the water at South Beach, or take the ferry to the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, a pristine barrier beach on Chappaquiddick Island.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
There’s something thrilling about standing on the battleground that led to a turning point in the American Civil War, or imagining Abraham Lincoln delivering his famous Gettysburg Address to war-weary soldiers. That’s the norm in Gettysburg, one of the most historically significant small East Coast towns. Join the popular tours if you want, but don’t leave without trying some of the dishes that make it a true foodie paradise: gumbo pizza from The Upper Crust, traditional Irish shepherd’s pie from Garryowen, and colonial-style onion soup from Dobbin House Tavern, to name a few.
Book a stay at the downtown Union Hotel and fuel up with a complimentary continental breakfast via an in-room basket of goodies before you start the day. Then, after some exploration, wind down with a craft cocktail at the Mason Dixon Distillery.
Mystic, Connecticut
This quaint Connecticut town sits on the Mystic River and fully embraces the maritime way of life. Rent a paddleboard or take a cruise up the river in a classic wooden motorboat to enjoy views of Mystic from the water. When the sun starts to set, walk along the riverside park, then tuck into a plate of seafood at Red 36, a waterfront restaurant with a fantastic outdoor patio.
Kennebunkport, Maine
While Kennebunkport sees more visitors during the summer months, it’s worth exploring any time of the year. On a warm day, spread out on the sprawling sandy shores of Goose Rocks or Arundel Beach, then peruse the outdoor Seashore Trolley Museum to see restored vintage streetcars—and maybe even ride in one. However you spend the day, end it with a lobster roll and a stroll through the town’s charming shops and galleries.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Nearby Hilton Head Island gets a lot of attention, but the lesser-known Port Royal Island is just as beautiful in its own way. Namely, people head to Beaufort, the island’s main town, which has a picture-perfect historic district. After you’ve had your fill of sightseeing around the old-timey buildings, grab dinner at Saltus River Grill, followed by ice cream at YoYo’s and a walk through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Hot Springs, North Carolina
As its name suggests, this small East Coast town is all about the area’s natural hot springs. Book a stay in one of the cabins at Broadwing Farm, where you can oscillate between soaking in your private mineral water-filled hot tub and exploring the organic farmland. When you’re sufficiently relaxed, lace up your hiking boots and hit part of the Appalachian Trail. Or, go for a stroll around Hot Springs’ tiny downtown area and check out some of the local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Cape May, New Jersey
One of the best New Jersey beach towns to visit in the summer is situated at the tip of southern New Jersey’s Cape May peninsula. Wander or ride around this seaside spot to marvel at its elaborate Victorian houses, then stop by the Washington Street Mall for beach-day provisions. Spend a morning getting your blood pumping by climbing the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859. We promise, the panoramic views are well worth the effort.
Meredith, New Hampshire
Meredith is one of those almost unbearably cute small East Coast towns—especially in the fall, when the colors really pop. Of course, this lakefront community has a lot more going for it than beautiful foliage. It’s right on Lake Winnipesaukee in the foothills of the White Mountains. For a perfect Meredith day, kayak to nearby Stonedam Island and back, then go for a sunset dinner cruise on the historic M/S Mount Washington.
Marathon, Florida
When it comes to small-town coastal living, Marathon is hard to beat. Not only is it spread across 13 islands in the Florida Keys, but there’s direct access to a barrier reef, renowned deep-sea fishing, and a string of waterfront restaurants. There are also plenty of beaches to choose from, and many of them are known for welcoming nesting loggerhead turtles.
St. Marys, Georgia
A riverfront Georgia town right on the Florida border, St. Marys remains quiet and uncrowded despite its many draws. It’s home to a well-preserved historic downtown, a Riverwalk for peaceful evening strolls, a museum dedicated to submarines, and ferry access to the white-sand beaches of nearby Cumberland Island. Take a day trip to see the barrier island’s wild horses and mansion ruins, then head back to the mainland to rest at a cozy bed-and-breakfast like the Spencer House Inn.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown—or “Ptown,” as many know it—is a popular small-town getaway for New Englanders, especially among the LGBTQ+ community. It’s colorful and artsy, with beaches and plenty of nature to offer. Just be aware that Ptown attracts quite a crowd in the summertime. During the low and shoulder seasons, you’ll see vibrant fall foliage and increase your chances of getting into the best restaurants—it also marks the beginning and end of whale-watching season. Provincetown is home to a large Portuguese community that stems from its history as a fishing port. Stop by the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum to learn more about this eclectic small town, and leave time to try the pasteis de nata and other pastries from the Provincetown Portuguese Bakery.
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